Jeep Bumper - What Are My Options?

Jeep Bumpers

Maybe your Jeep bumper has been damaged and needs to be replaced. Or, maybe you're looking for a different kind of bumper that will change your Jeep's look or allow you to add a winch and offroad lights. Either way, you can find a new bumper through a 4x4 parts store or a website like DriveOffroad.com. Once you've got your favorite new bumper, changing it is simple with a set of Torx bits and a few hand tools.

Here are a few ideas to help you find the best Jeep bumper for your specific needs.

Looking for an economical, yet tough Jeep bumper for those weekend adventures? The Rock Crawler bumper from Rugged Ridge gives you protection at an affordable price. All Rock Crawler bumpers have formed ends for greater ground clearance. They come in a black painted finish.

The RRC front grille guard bumper from Rugged Ridge is an easy to install front bumper system that offers an expanded opening for use with a winch (winch plate not included) or up to four offroad lights. The RRC bumper tubing provides fender protection while not altering the side clearance. Two reinforced recovery points allow for easy use of optional D-shackles. Rugged Ridge also offers rear RRC bumpers and an optional tire carrier.

Rugged Ridge provides three Jeep tire carrier styles for the XHD, RRC, and Rock Crawler rear bumpers. These tire carriers allow you to carry a larger spare tire without overwhelming the factory tailgate hinges. These swing away tire carriers pivot on large bearings to open and close easily. They also have catches to hold them open and latches to secure them during your offroad adventures.

Rugged Ridge offers the classic 3-inch tube bumpers that have been popular for decades. Jeep tube bumpers are an affordable way to change the look of your Jeep. The Rugged Ridge version of these bumpers are available with a black powder coated finish or in polished stainless steel. One primary difference is that Rugged Ridge welds the end caps on the tubes instead of using the plastic caps most other companies offer. Winch and non-winch versions are available. Most have light tabs for your offroad lighting.

XHD modular front bumpers from Rugged Ridge have a center base that can be used alone or you can add a variety of ends and over-rider hoops. Some XHD front winch bumpers have an integrated winch mount design for use with almost any aftermarket winch and two light mounting locations. All XHD bumpers come with sturdy D-rings for recovery points. The front bumper mounts close in on the frame rails, drawing the bumper closer to the body and increasing the approach angle. The narrow overall width gives enormous clearance for the front tires. XHD modular rear bumpers can be used alone or an optional swinging tire carrier can be added.

Now that you have found your perfect Jeep bumper for your needs, it is time to install it.

We recommend you read the instructions that come with your specific Jeep bumper for the most accurate installation information. Each Jeep bumper may have a few unique installation techniques based on the bumper itself.

Things You'll Need

Torx bit set to remove the factory bolts
Metric socket set and ratchet

Changing the front bumper

1) Locate the bolts on the front bumper that keep it in place. They are typically above and below the vehicle frame.

2) Remove all of those bolts with a Torx bit and ratchet. Put the bolts aside if you need to re-use them to mount your new bumper. Look for any wiring for fog lights, etc. and disconnect it, if present. Slide the bumper off the frame rails.

Replacing the rear bumper

1) Locate the mounting bolts for the rear bumper. They are typically located behind the bumper and attach to the rear crossmember of the Jeep.

2) Remove the bolts using a socket and ratchet. If the nuts on the back of the crossmember begin to rotate, use a wrench to hold the nut while you turn the bolts with the ratchet.

3) Remove the bumper from the Jeep and install the new one by lining up the mounting holes in the bumper with the ones on the frame. Install the mounting bolts and tighten them with a socket and ratchet. You may need to hold the nut on the back of the crossmember with a wrench to keep it from rotating.